Two Aspirants Lay Claim To Ekiti SDP Gov. Ticket, Party Says Bankole Recognized

By Ayodele Oni

Aftermath of the governorship primary election which was held last Saturday in Ekiti state, choice of a governorship candidate by the Social Democratic  Party, (SDP) in Ekiti state ahead next year’s election has caused division within the party.

It was gathered that two parallel primary election was held last week by the SDP with each producing a candidate.

The two candidates now laying claim to the governorship ticket are Adedayo Alade and David Bankole.

The  State leadership of the party however, seems to have thrown its weight behind Bankole describing him as the best for the party for now.

The party had earlier issued a statement to disown Alade, describing him as a usurper describing the primary which produced him as “illegal, null and void”.

The party explained that the primary was conducted by individuals suspended by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, which contravened the party’s constitution.

“The Ekiti State SDP and its Chairman, Hon Bamikole Ayodele, wish to dissociate themselves from the purported primary conducted by these impostors.”

Prince Afolayan Adewale

SDP Ekiti State Assistant Publicity Secretary who signed the statement stated that “We heard that the kangaroo primary was conducted in an apartment in Ijadu Area, Ado Ekiti, and the location is unknown to INEC and security agencies.

“The party emphasized that Ambassador Alade is not a registered member of the SDP, and therefore, not a legitimate candidate.

“The party has warned him to desist from using the party’s name or logo, and has urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found parading himself as an SDP candidate, apart from Engr Bankole David Oludele who was dully elected and announced by the party as it candidate to represent the party in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

“We hereby declare the purported primary that produced Ambassador Adedayo Alade null and void, and urge our members and supporters to ignore it.

“We remain committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections that reflect the will of our members.

Also reacting to the issue on Monday,  chairman of SDP primary election committee, Gabriel Akintoye, explained that Bankole emerged as the SDP governorship candidate in the party’s primary election held on Saturday after two other aspirants, Mr. Peter Adesina and Mrs. Adesola Dada, stepped down for him.

Akinloye, who declared Bankole winner of the primaries, commended the sportsmanship of the two other aspirants and urged them to work with the party’s candidate to ensure victory during the governorship poll.

He said, “SDP has produced a candidate with the virile, versatile, and transformative ability to improve Ekiti State. Engr. Bankole is known for his creativity and transformative ability to reshape Ekiti State.”

The SDP chieftain, who said that the SDP’s principle of justice, equity, and transparency guided the party’s primary process, added, “We are confident that Bankole is the best candidate to lead Ekiti State in 2026.”